Hard to translate the meaning of "chips" w/o pics. But if there are any "splits" in the blade (again, no pics), they could creep to the vortex and eventually self destruct IMHO.

I once removed the blade to gain easier access to the belt for replacement. The fan is held on by three allen head bolts (I forget what size)...removal is about a 15-minute job.

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car